The one major disadvantage with electronic stud finders that generally get flagged up is the fact they need batteries to operate. Through this they can identify the differences between pipes, electrical cables and screws or nails. Some of the more expensive electronic stud finders can sense the difference between material types and not just their density. The sensitive plate can use the differing amounts of electrostatic energy to determine the thickness of an object and in turn it’s type. In terms of operation, electronic stud finders utilise a capacitor plate that is used to pickup changes in the electrostatic field that exists in different materials, particularly timber. One of the main advantages with the electronic stud finder is that they feature at least an audible notification such as a buzzer when a stud is detected and in many cases also some sort of visual display.Īside from the audible and visual notifications, other very useful features that can be found on an electronic stud finder include an edge or centre finder so that you more accurately find the best point to fix into e.g. This in turn has generally made them the more popular choice between the two different types. Electronic Stud FindersĮlectronic stud finders are a more modern innovation than the traditional magnetic stud finder and are often regarded as being more accurate. When it comes to the different types of stud, pipe and cable finders there are essentially 2 – the electronic stud finder and the magnetic stud finder. The type of audible or visual notification you get will in most cases depend on the type of finder you have. Most good detectors and finders operate on a similar principle, they either flash a light, make a sound or in some cases do both when you have found what ever it is you are trying to detect in a given wall. Stud, pipe and cable finder What Types of Stud, Pipe and Cable Finder are There? Finding and marking any cable and pipe positions on a wall will ensure you don’t accidentally hit them.įind out about the various different types of pipe, cable and stud finder below and how they can be used to avoid any nasty accidents. In a similar vein, checking a wall for any hidden pipes and cables before you start drilling can be the difference between a simple straightforward job and a total nightmare. For the sake of a couple of pounds can save you so much time in filling unwanted investigation holes, you can simply wave it across the wall and bingo, there’s your stud! Using a stud finder can make fitting shelves, pictures, television brackets, microwave brackets and the similar so much easier.

If you have ever drilled into a wall only to hit a water pipe or electrical cable you will know it is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make and a potentially dangerous one too! Finding timber joists, timber studs, pipes and cables behind plasterboard walls is a necessary part of most DIY fixing to wall jobs as finding a sturdy stud to fix into provides the most solid and secure fixing.

Find studs in plaster wall